sophister

[ sof-uh-ster ]

noun

1. a specious, unsound, or fallacious reasoner.
2. Chiefly British. (especially formerly) a second or third year student at a university.
3. Obsolete. an ancient Greek sophist.

sophister

/ ˈsɒfɪstə /

noun

1. (esp formerly) a second-year undergraduate at certain British universities
2. rare.
   another word for sophist

Word History and Origins

Origin of sophister¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French sophistre < Latin sophista. See sophist

Example Sentences

The table exhibits also the old system of awarding examination premiums in T.C.D.; and it shows the then curriculum in the Sophister year.

From Project Gutenberg

Grattan entered in November, 1763, he answered for his degree in October, 1766, i.e., at the close of his Junior Sophister year—and he took his B.A. in Spring, 1767.

From Project Gutenberg

A few profane Cavaliers might make his name the burthen of their malignant rhymes—a few of the more scrupulous among the saints might keep aloof in sanctified abhorrence of the “Stygian sophister”—but the great majority of the people lent a willing and reverential ear to his prophecies and prognostications.

From Project Gutenberg

I tell thee nay, stone-hearted one, The Faith of Christ is not alone:212 Take Faith away, and Love will sigh; Take Hope away, and Faith will die; Take Faith away, Love will do naught; Take Love away, and Faith's distraught: For I tell thee, vain sophister, They're as sister unto sister.

From Project Gutenberg

O noble argument, Sophister rare!

From Project Gutenberg